- Email contact@brightbeams.co.uk
- Phone 03330 386 189
We are committed to providing an engaging, enriching, and developmentally appropriate learning experience for every child. Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which is the statutory curriculum for early years settings in England. Within the EYFS, we use Development Matters, a comprehensive guide to support the development and learning of children from birth to 4 years old. This page provides an overview of how we implement Development Matters in our daily activities and how it helps your child grow, learn, and thrive during their time with us.
The EYFS framework sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to age 5. It outlines the essential principles and practices that ensure children receive the best possible start in life. It covers seven key areas of learning and development, which are divided into three prime areas and four specific areas. The Prime Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum include Communication and Language, where children develop the ability to express their ideas, listen, and understand. Physical Development focuses on enhancing both fine and gross motor skills, along with promoting healthy habits. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development supports children's self-confidence, helps them build relationships, and nurtures their emotional well-being. In addition to these, the Specific Areas of learning include Literacy, which introduces children to the basics of reading and writing. Mathematics is also key, helping children explore numbers, patterns, and problem-solving skills. Understanding the World allows children to explore their environment, learn about people, technology, and different communities. Lastly, Expressive Arts and Design encourage creativity through various forms, including art, music, movement, and role-play.
Development Matters is a non-statutory guidance provided by the government to help practitioners in early years settings like ours to support children's learning and development in line with the EYFS. It outlines key milestones and developmental progressions across different age ranges, from birth to 5 years old. At Bright Beams, we use Development Matters to ensure that we are nurturing each child’s growth in a way that is tailored to their individual pace and needs. This guide allows our team to plan stimulating activities, create supportive learning environments, and closely track progress across each area of development.
Our experienced practitioners use Development Matters to observe each child, assess their current stage of development, and plan activities that are suited to their abilities and interests.
EYFS highlights the importance of play-based learning, and we create a balance between structured and free play activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Staff are continually engaging children in conversations, storytelling, and singing. Through these interactions, children build their vocabulary and develop strong communication skills.
We encourage them to develop independence. From self-care tasks like putting on their shoes to making choices during free play, we guide children in becoming confident and self-reliant.
Children at Bright Beams have regular access to outdoor play, which helps them develop physical skills, learn about the natural world, and enhance their social interactions.
